Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove
A wood stove is a wonderful way to warm up your home and can also be used to heat your entire house. Some of these appliances emit harmful gasses like creosote which can be dangerous for the health of your family and your property.
A proper care for these stoves is vital. Some of the most important points to consider include: avoiding overheating the room making a mess of the fire and using properly dried firewood that is properly dried.
Fuel
Wood stoves can burn a variety of fuels that include dry wood, as well as manufactured solid fuels like briquettes or fire logs. These cleaner burning alternatives are healthier and more eco-friendly than traditional household coal or wet wood. However, they do still emit toxic gases and smoke. They also require regular maintenance to ensure they are operating at their best.
Before using or purchasing any fuel, read the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the fuel is suitable for your stove. Unsuitable fuels could damage your chimney or stove and cause costly repairs and invalidating your warranty. It's illegal to use fuel that is not approved, especially in smoke control zones. Look for the "Ready to Burn" logo. This means that the fuel is within limits of sulphur and smoke emission limitations and can be legally purchased for domestic use. The logo is usually displayed along with the details of the price and brand or on the packaging.
The fuels that are suitable for use must be prepared (stored and then split for a few months prior to use) or kiln-dried to reduce the moisture content which improves heat output and combustion efficiency. The kind of wood you choose must also be suited to your heating needs. Softwoods such as pine and spruce are an excellent value for money however hardwoods such as oak and beech produce more hot embers and do so for a longer time. Fruitwoods such as cherry and apple can not only be used to heat the home and provide a pleasant scent.
If you have a stove that uses multiple fuels, you may be interested in a mixed fuel fire. Combining wood with smokeless Briquettes can help maintain the flames for longer and keep your home warm. Briquettes can be used as a back-up and also help in preventing a fire from a chimney by keeping the air moving.
A stove that is maintained will produce more heat and burn less fuel, while also releasing less harmful particles. If you have an oil or gas-fired wood stove, make sure it is fitted by an authorized installer (on a competent person scheme such as HETAS, APHC, BESCA, Certsure or NAPIT). A properly maintained appliance is more cost-effective to run and will safeguard your health and the environment by preventing harmful emissions.
Design
Wood stoves are a fantastic source of heat, however their design is important to think about. Carbon monoxide and smoke are undesirable byproducts that could be harmful to health and the environment. Correct operation and careful design are key factors in minimizing the emission.
Modern wood stoves are more eco green than older models. All EPA-certified stoves meet strict emission and energy efficiency regulations that maximize the amount of heat they produce. Look for an iron EPA certification mark on the back of the stove, or go through the EPA's latest database to determine the stove is certified. Visiting local hearth products retailers who are knowledgeable about the performance characteristics of their selection is an excellent way to find out more about wood stoves and which size and capacity is the best fit for your home.
Controlling air flow through the stove is a crucial element of EPA emission regulations. The stove's firebox is surrounded by a wall of fireproof material and air vents are placed in the walls to ensure controlled airflow. Controlling airflow is vital to ensure that the combustion is efficient and emissions are minimized.
Modern stoves often have baffles that increase the time the fire burns and reduces the amount of fumes and harmful gases. Certain wood stoves employ catalyst converters to decrease NOx emissions. This system is more expensive and is utilized only in high-end wood burning stoves.
Stoves employ different types of air control systems to regulate the flow of air. The majority of wood stoves utilize a basic passive air supply and require that the user (you), operate the stove correctly to achieve maximum performance. Certain wood stoves have active air sources that are controlled by sensors. These sensors monitor the combustion process and adjust the air supply when needed.
Wood stoves are an excellent alternative to heating homes in remote areas or those that aren't connected to the electric grid. However, if your home does not have a backup heat source to rely on in the event of an outage or in case of an upcoming snowstorm, a wooden stove should not be your only option for warming your home.
The output of heat
Many wood stoves advertise the maximum heat output in BTUs. This is misleading however, as the actual capacity to heat a wood stove is dependent on a variety of variables like the size of the room and the degree of insulation.
The climate can also affect the requirements for heat. Colder regions require stoves with a higher BTU rating to ensure the temperature.
Other factors that influence heat production include the kind of wood used and the frequency of refilling. Dry, seasoned firewood creates more heat than fresh cut and wet logs. A stove fan can aid in the circulation of heat produced by the wood burner within the room rather than have the hot air rise up.
It is important to keep in mind that the maximum power of a wood heating stove should not be reached often as a continuous high-fire can cause damage to the stove's internals and cause carbon monoxide leaking into the home.
Regular refueling can also enhance the efficiency of an fireplace. Make sure that the log isn't too large and is placed on the glowing embers, so it does not get in the way of the glass or walls of the stove. Add smaller logs more frequently instead of taking too long between additions.
cheap wood burner are designed to provide greater heat output using the same amount fuel. This is achieved by prewarming combustion air and employing other design features. These stoves often produce less smoke, toxins and carbon monoxide than previous models.
Some homeowners also choose to install a back boiler stove as part of their heating system. The heat produced by the wood-burning stove to warm water in a hot water tank or central heating system, allowing heat to be distributed throughout a home. This is a more efficient and cost-effective method of heating a home however the process of installation can be quite extensive. This method requires a flue that is not already installed and the energy needed to run the boiler can increase the overall cost.
Safety
Fireplaces and wood stoves are attractive and a convenient method of heating homes. However, they are not without risk. A fire could cause furniture or carpets to catch fire and a fireplace that is hot can cause structural damage to your home. A proper use and maintenance of a wood-burning stove reduces the dangers.
Wood-burning stoves should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are safe and in good condition. This includes examining the flue and chimney for signs of rust and wear, and having them cleaned at least two times per year. The chimney should be checked for creosote half-way through the season. It is extremely flammable, and can cause a chimney fire.
When you are buying a wood-burning stove be sure to choose one that has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another lab recognized for testing. This guarantees that the stove complies with the safety standards set by the federal government and is designed to ventilate properly. Check the legs, hinges, and grates to ensure they are in good shape and securely secured to the floor of the stove.
If you opt to install a wood-burning fireplace in your home, make sure the floor underneath it is reinforced and made from non-combustible material. It is also possible to lay a piece of non-combustible floor tiles over the flooring you have, particularly if you live in an old mobile home that has combustible floors.
Burn only hardwoods that are seasoned and dry. Wet and green woods can cause excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct may build in your chimney, which releases harmful chemicals. Do not burn cardboard or paper, trash, or any other combustibles, because they can release dangerous fumes and not even ignite.
Don't "over fire" your wood stove -which is to you should not create a bigger fire than the stove is able to handle. Overfiring can cause flames escape from the combustion chamber, which can damage to the chimney, stove connector, and chimney itself. It can also burn other combustible materials in your home. Also, ensure that the fire is completely smothered prior to leaving your cabin or retiring to sleep. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be in working order at all times.